Nursing Fashion Guide

sources are listed at the end of this post

Yesterday, I posted my guide to Maternity Style. Today I’m back with my guide for staying cute while nursing. You may return to your pre-pregnancy size (or not), but breastfeeding rules out a lot of your old clothes. I nursed for over a year the first time and I’m about to start again with baby number two, so it was fun for me to pull this together. And just like last time, please let me know if you have any questions or tips of your own in the comments!

Tops

You have two choices: pull your shirt down/to the side, or lift your shirt up. You may find that you’re more comfortable with one option vs. the other. If your shirt tucks in, it needs to unbutton or pull aside. If there’s no easy access from the top, it needs to be easy to pull up.

I like to pull my shirt down or to the side, and if I feel exposed I just put a burp cloth over the bare shoulder. If you prefer to lift your shirt up, you can wear a nursing tank underneath or a belly band if you’re worried about showing your stomach.

Other than nursing tanks (which I love), I avoid shirts that are specifically designated as nursing tops. They never look like anything I’d wear normally, and there are plenty of options in regular shirts that will work just fine.

Cardigans and nursing tanks are BFFs.

I never wore button down dress/oxford shirts, but if you’re a fan they are obviously very breastfeeding-friendly.

Henleys and other knit tees with buttons that go at least partially down the front are great. They’re easy to throw on, they’re comfy, and they’re easy to care for.

And speaking of ease of care, you’ll probably want to avoid tops that need to be dry cleaned for a while. At least until after your baby is past the spit-up stage.

Bottoms

Easy! Wear your maternity pants and skirts until you can finally fit into normal clothing again.

You may not fit into your pre-pregnancy pants for quite some time (and some people never do). Don’t beat yourself up about it, but don’t wear maternity bottoms forever. Eventually you may want to buy yourself some new pants in whatever size you are now. Clothes that fit and look good on you will make you feel better, instead of feeling like a schlump in your elastic pants.

I love pencil skirts, but it was a long time before I could wear them again without looking pregnant. A-line skirts are more universally flattering.

Dresses

Wrap dresses and shirtdresses are phenomenal for nursing. Other than that, your options are pretty limited here. Look for dresses with straps that you can slip down, and then try them on (some will work). Sometimes you can find one with a drawstring or loose peasant top, but that depends on whether they’re in style or not at the time.

Unmentionables

Bravado also makes an excellent nursing tank. Most nursing tanks just have a shelf bra, but theirs is built like a supportive bra.

Accessories

A nursing reminder of some sort is a good idea. Sometimes you can tell/remember which side you last nursed on, but sometimes you cannot. You can switch a ring or a bracelet (like a bangle — nothing with a clasp that’s too difficult to undo) over to each side as a visual reminder. Clip a barrette onto your bra strap if you want something that won’t show.

Once your baby can grab, you may want to skip the dangling earrings. A necklace can be a good or bad thing. Some people find that it’s helpful to have something to hold baby’s attention (as long as the necklace is sturdy enough to take it), but I find they usually just get in the way. If you like statement jewelry, bracelets may be the way to go for a while. You can wear a pin too, as long as there are no sharp edges.

You will be watching the clock a lot at first, especially if you’re a new or nervous mother. Get yourself a pretty watch.

You need a diaper bag, but it doesn’t have to be one that was specifically marketed as such. Any large purse or tote will work, and it’s nice if there are several pockets or compartments inside. You can even slip a little changing kit in any bag that’s roomy enough, or carry it on its own if you’re not much of a purse person. There are also plenty of stylish diaper bags out there these days too though, so don’t rule them out completely.

Becky

February 22, 2011 at 9:07 pm

I’m really far behind and playing catchup on your blog now. I’m usually a very avid reader. CONGRATS on August’s arrival!

About nursing (I’m currently nursing Baby #2) wardrobes – I totally agree about saving the money on nursing clothes. I could never find a nursing tank that I liked just right, but I am in love with my Undercover Mamas. Really, it’s a sick love affair. Check them out – undercovermama.com

Love your picks, and as a nursing mom of a (almost) four-month-old, I echo a lot of what you say. I did find several unassuming-looking nursing tops that have become workhorses for me. (one is here: http://www.thefunkymama.com/macuslhe.html)

And I LOVE Glamour Mom nursing tanks. You are right, nursing tanks and cardigans are BFF’s.

Good pick on the shirt dress. I’ve been blogging lately about the difficulty in finding nursing-friendly dresses, and how I miss wearing them. Fortunately I’ve found a couple :)

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